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THE INSCRIPTION. 


I 



MOTHEE CHUECH 


BY 

JOSEPH ARMSTRONG. 


TENTH EDITION. 




BOSTON: 

The Christian Science Publishing Society. 

1911 . 




.^ 1 . . 
\q W 


Copyright, 1897, 

By Joseph Armstrong. 

Copyright, 1908, 1911, 
By Mary E. Armstrong. 


All rights reserved* 


i 

V 



University Press: 

John Wilson and Son, Cambridge, U. S. A. 


C CI.A280389 


PREFACE. 


IP* 


I IN’ this brief narrative of the erection of the 
Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, 
Scientist, in Boston, no attempt is made to elab- 
orate the subject, or to treat of matters that may 
be intimately connected with the history of the 
church organization, and may indirectly concern the 
structure, but which do not bear directly on the 
details of its erection. 

The writer’s aim is simply to state the facts 
as he knows them, and but little effort is made 
to point out the many beautiful lessons taught 
and illustrated by these experiences. It seems 
desirable to preserve a record of at least a few 
of the trials, toils, and triumphs of this laborious 
effort, not only for the benefit of this age, but for the 
generations to come, which, it may be confidently 
iii 


IV 


PREFACE. 


asserted, will be able to see, more fully than we now 
can, the meaning of this demonstration, and to realize 
that, in the building of this Church, a Christian 
endeavor was successful. 

The Church Directors, who, for more than a year 
were burdened with the heavy care and responsibility 
of erecting the edifice, can never ’ forget, nor cease 
to thank God for the wise guidance, the helpful 
words, and the loving care of our Teacher and Mother, 
the Kev. Mary Baker Eddy. She alone, God’s 
chosen and anointed one, deserves the credit of this 
mighty victory for Mind’s supremacy; for it was her 
warning call and loving counsel that led on to success, 
in the face of such seeming odds. Her nearness to 
the great Heart of Love endowed her with power 
from on high, before which every obstacle vanished. 

The writer also wishes to thank the dear Mother for 
the privilege of publishing in this book a facsimile 
of two of her beautiful letters to the Directors. 

It is to be hoped the future will also give credit 
to those friends who, like obedient children, left all 


PREFACE. 


V 


at the Mother’s call, and came to relieve the heavily 
burdened ones. We know our Heavenly Father will 
reward them in due season. 

To those whose donations have paid for this beau- 
tiful building, standing as a Testimonial of love for 
her through whom the blessing of Christian Science 
has come, the writer would say : Be your contribution 
counted in thousands of dollars, or in single pennies, 
your reward is as sure as your existence. 

Joseph Armstrong. 



CONTENTS 


Letters from Mary Baker Eddy to Joseph Arm- 
strong .... is 

The Foundation, 1 

The Great Contract, 10 

The Iron Question and the Corner-Stone, . . 15 

Contracts and Contractors, 25 

Help and Shelter, 37 

A Night’s Work, 44 

The Harmony of Trades, 49 

Testimonial Windows and other Gifts, • • .60 

Mother’s Room, *73 

The Final Effort, 83 

Conclusion, ^*7 

The Financial Question in Christian Science, . . 104 

The Extension • . 109 

vii 




Letters from 

MARY BAKER EDDY to JOSEPH ARMSTRONG. 

{Published by permission.) 

Concord, N. H., 

Give this (manuscript) to Miss to make it perfectly 

grammatical. I have not the time to read it all and it heeds 
careful examination. 

It (your manuscript) is prosaic in description, but to 
builders may prove interesting. Your detailed account is won- 
derful because of many things, your moral well drawn. 

M. B. Eddy. 

N. B. Uniformity must be preserved in the title you 
mainly give to me, 

You may insert my letters that you have chosen. 

M. B. E. 


Pleasant View, 

Concord, N. H., June 5, 1897. 

My beloved Student : 

I thank you for the interesting, finely gotten-up volume — 
“ The Mother Church.” I enclose check for one dozen, in cloth. 
I want them to give away to people that the book will interest. 
Again thanking you more than all, for your faithful performance 
of your duties to which you alone were appointed by me in 
building The Mother Church. 

To read the dear book is with feelings of an old soldier to 


fight anew the old battles. 


With love. Mother, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 


N. B. Please fill out the check. I leave it blank for you to ' 
add the price on one dozen of “ The Mother Church,” in cloth. 

ix 







THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


THE FOUNDATION. 

Fob other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, 
which is Jesus Christ. — I, Corinthians iii. 11, 

I iN" September, 1893, the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, 
Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, 
advised the Directors of The First Church of Christ, 
Scientist, in Boston, to lay the foundation for a 
church-building the following October. 

At this point the history of our present structure 
begins; but in order to describe accurately the con- 
dition of affairs at the time, it may be well to retrace 
briefly certain previous steps. 

Our Teacher had long been hoping for a church- 
ediflce in Boston, and for several years her students 
had been making efforts to fulfil her hope. In 
1887-8 about four thousand dollars were contributed 
1 


2 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


towards a building-fund, but this money was lost. 
A site was bought; but as the students could give 
only a small part of the price, the remainder 
was secured by a mortgage. This they were unable 
to pay when it became due, and the lot was sold, 
under foreclosure, to Mrs. Eddy herself. She im- 
mediately conveyed it to Ira O. Knapp, C. S. D., 
for the use of the Church, a Board of Trustees being 
appointed to care for it. 

The sum of about thirty thousand dollars was soon 
raised, enough to warrant those trustees in beginning 
the work; but they were unvdlling to build, unless 
the Church, which had been disorganized at Mrs. 
Eddy’s request, was re-organized, under the laws of 
Massachusetts; as, without such incorporation, they 
claimed the title would be worthless. 

Mrs. Eddy then took the lot again into her own 
possession, and deeded it, in September, 1892, to 
four of her students, thereby constituting them the 
Christian Science Board of Directors. This Board 
was to hold the land in trust for the whole body of 


THE FOUNDATION. 


3 


Christian Scientists, a law having been discovered 
which permitted property to be held in this way. 
The new deed required the Directors to erect a 
church-edifice within five years, at a cost of not 
less than fifty thousand dollars; and it was upon 
them, Ira O. Knapp, William B. Johnson, Joseph 
Armstrong, and Stephen A. Chase, and not upon the 
Church as a body, that the responsibility of erecting 
the building rested. 

The money received by the first Board of Trustees 
was returned to the donors; and while this transfer 
was going on, and the money was fiowing back again 
into the treasury, the newly constituted Board of 
Directors were soliciting designs for the structure. 

Several Boston architects drew plans for a brick 
building; one of these designs being more satisfac- 
tory than the others, because utilizing the entire 
ground, — a result especially desired. On later con- 
sideration, it seemed more appropriate to build the 
Church of granite from Kew Hampshire, the native 
state and present home of the Discoverer and Founder 


4 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


of Ckristian Science; so the architects again made 
drawings, this time for a stone building. The archi- 
tect who had excelled before once more presented 
the most acceptable plan, which not only covered 
the whole lot, but was the most beautiful in design. 
This lot being on a comer, and shaped somewhat 
like a kite, was thought to be awkwardly formed for 
a church-site, until this draft was seen, when it 
was at once acknowledged that the land could hardly 
be better adapted to our purpose. 

This was the state of affairs when the Directors 
were advised to lay the foundation. Our Teacher 
doubtless perceived the need of immediate action; 
for, although our fund now amounted to about 
forty thousand dollars, receipts had almost ceased, 
the students either thinking that enough had been 
already raised, or else fearing, on account of the 
former experience, that the money might be lost, or 
otherwise fail of its purpose. 

In obtaining estimates from builders, the Directors 
had already learned that, during the delay occasioned 


THE FOUNDATION. 


5 


by hesitation over the land-title, additional laws had 
been enacted, July 16, 1892, requiring such buildings 
to be absolutely fire-proof ; consequently, that to build 
a church now would cost a third more than before 
that date. 

The Directors found themselves in a dilemma. 
On one side was the urgent need of beginning to 
build; while on the other hand they were con- 
fronted by lack of material means. If they decided 
to use brick, the new laws would increase the cost 
by many thousands of dollars more than had been 
as yet contributed, while stone would be even 
more expensive. According to city ordinances, plans 
must be municipally approved before a building-per- 
mit could be issued; so the Directors must accept a 
design determining the cost of the completed build- 
ing, before they could obtain a permit, or lay the 
foundation. 

The deed of gift admitted no debt, and allowed 
no lien on the property. More money would doubt- 
less be received while the work was going on; 


6 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


but who could say bow much? With less than 
fifty thousand dollars on hand, how could the 
Directors incur so great a risk as to accept such 
expensive plans, in order to obtain a permit 
from the city? The advice from the Teacher and 
Mother to lay the foundation in October was, how- 
ever, of greater importance than any other consid- 
eration; and those to whom the responsibility was 
entrusted finally decided to choose the most desirable 
plan and go forward, — leaving the result with God. 

This decision was reached the last of September, 
and then the permit was anxiously desired, so that 
work might be begun on the foundation; but much 
was yet to be done. The architect had furnished 
only the outlines of the roof, and it was found that 
a detailed plan of the iron or steel frame-work must 
be presented for the city engineer's inspection. 
To obtain the needful plan, estimates must be 
solicited for this part of the building; and, an esti- 
mate being accepted, the contractor would make his 
own exact drawings. 


THE FOUNDATION. 


7 


The Directors were dissatisfied with the estimates 
submitted; but, in order to get the contractor's 
plan and the permit, they were compelled to make 
an immediate award of the roof-contract. The 
lowest bid was accepted; but the contractor, for 
reasons unnecessary to relate, refused to keep his 
agreement, or to submit specifications to the city. 
After delays of one kind and another, the ofiicial 
agreed to waive this point for future consideration; 
and meanwhile, late in October, he granted the build- 
ing-permit. 

In this experience regarding the roof may be 
recognized the hand of divine Love, guiding and 
protecting those who trust Him. Human law 
would have forced the Directors to obligate them- 
selves for an expensive roof, before any provision 
had been made for the foundation, or for the walls 
on which the roof was to rest. 

It may be well to mention here what was rather 
unusual, — the fact that the Directors, although 
still retaining the services of the architect, had be' 


8 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


come sole owners of his plans. It had been at first 
arranged that he should receive a percentage on the 
cost of building, one half payable on the bestowal of 
the contract, and the other when the Church was 
completed. Before any contract was arranged, the 
architect desired an advance payment; and the re- 
sult was, that the Directors bought his plans outright, 
obtaining a bill of sale. 

Such details, which may seem insignificant, had 
a greater influence on the erection of the Church 
than may appear on the surface; and the writer, 
knowing their latent import, could not feel that his 
account would be complete if they were not noted. 

The contracts for excavation, pile-driving, and 
stone foundations were signed on October 19, 1893. 
Charles Eiver once overflowed much of this Back 
Bay region where the church-lot is situated; and, 
so near the harbor, the water is affected by even 
the lowest tides. The land has been filled in to the 
height of ten or twelve feet above high-water mark; 
and foundation-piles for building must be driven 


THE FOUNDATION. 


9 


down far enough to remain permanently under 
water, so as to be unaffected by atmospheric in- 
fluences. It was at first thought that our piling 
must be driven eighteen or twenty feet below 
the foundation grade, but 'hard ground was struck 
much nearer the surface. A gentleman familiar 
with the Back Bay before the land was filled in, 
states that our site was the point of an island which 
was not always submerged. Be that as it may, 
solid bottom was found on which the piles could 
rest, thus ensuring a firm foundation. 

The first stone was laid Wednesday, •N’ovember 8, 
1893, and when the foundation wall was finished, it 
was carefully covered with boards, for protection 
during the winter. 

This demonstration of an actual beginning on 
the Church inspired Christian Science workers in 
the field with such confidence and energy, that 
money once more began, to flow into the Treasurer’s 
hands. 


THE GKEAT CONTRACT. 


The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his 
servants will arise and build. — Nehemiah ii. 20. 

I WILL direct their work in truth, and I will make an ever- 
lasting covenant with them. — Isaiah Ixi. 8. 

S soon as arrangements had. been completed for 



JlY the foundation, Mrs. Eddy recommended that 
preparations be made for beginning work on the 
Church itself early in the ensuing spring, and that 
the work be finished in the same year, 1894. 

Money was coming in all the time, and there 
might be thirty thousand dollars left after the 
payments were made for the foundation; but what 
was this with which to contract for such a building as 
was desired? The Directors, however, were begin- 
ning to learn that all things are possible with God, 
though His ways are not man’s ways. They knew 
that God was speaking through their Teacher, and 
would voice the words necessary to guide them in the 


10 


THE GREAT CONTRACT. 


11 


right direction, if they would only follow willingly 
and obediently. With scarcely one third of the 
needful money on hand, and debt forbidden, it 
seemed unreasonable to think of contracting for so 
costly a building; but the voice of Truth was im- 
perative, and something must be done. 

After careful and prayerful consideration of the 
problem many days and nights, the Directors de- 
cided that they might begin and build at least the 
walls. 

Several of the best-known builders in the city were 
asked for estimates; but many of them refused, 
making it difficult for the Directors to select the most 
reliable parties for so important an undertaking. 
Responsible ^sTew Hampshire builders were found, 
however, who offered to erect the brick and stone 
walls, with the necessary iron or steel beams, for a 
reasonable amount; yet the price was much greater 
than the present fund. To promise a dollar beyond 
the assets would be a forfeiture of the land-title; and 
the Directors had already made it a rule to base no 


12 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


calculations on pledges or promises of money, but to 
act only on what was in their possession. 

Mrs. Eddy had not yet been informed of the 
situation, nor of the mental struggle it was causing 
the Directors, yet a letter from her solved the whole 
problem. She suggested that a contract might be 
made for the walls, which would include a provision 
giAung the Directors a right to stop the work at any 
time after the masonry had risen above the level of 
the auditorium floor; that is, of course, if parties 
could be found who would enter into such an 
unusual arrangement. It seemed wise to have but 
one contract for this part of the work. 

The ISTew Hampshire men were found perfectly 
willing to enter into the conditional agreement, and 
the papers were signed, December 6, 1893, by the 
four Directors on one side; and on the other side 
by three men representing as many Arms, who were 
not only to build the walls, but to furnish brick, 
iron, the grey and the pink granite. Thus it 
reads : 


THE GREAT CONTRACT. 


13 


The party of the second part [the Directors] to have the 
pri: c .:."::0 to \:1' : work, at any point above the level of 
the ‘uieiice-roDm u.\.or, on four weeks’ notice; and the 
work to be .1 . a four weeks’ notice, providing that 

not 0 7ST one yocr ...al intervene between the time of stop- 
ping and etartl ig L. . ..ame; and, if not stopped by the party 
of the second i - ; ;aid contract shall be finished on or 
before Aupnst kr.vi:, 1094. 

The doeirnient further stipulated that the con- 
tractors have until September to finish the tower, 
from a ]>oint ten feet above the walls of the main 
building. Eighty percent, of the work actually 
completed was to be paid for at the end of each 
month; and the remaining twenty percent, when the 
work was finally completed to the satisfaction of 
the Directors.” This last clause was somewhat out 
of the ordinary form, which stipulates for the ap- 
proval of the architect alone. 

Before a single layer was begun on the walls, 
our Teacher and Mother, consulting only with In- 
finite Mind, quietly wrote to certain students, offer- 
ing them the privilege of contributing a thousand 
dollars each to the building-fund. In response to 


14 : 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


this offer forty-four thousand dollars were added to 
our supply, which, together with what had been 
coming in as usual, assured the contractors that they 
could go on with the work to completion* 


THE IKON QUESTION AND THE CORNER-STONE. 

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that 
build it . — Psalm cxxvii. 1. 

Upon this rock I will build my Church ; and the gates of 
hell shall not prevail against it. — Matthew xvi. 18. 

M AKCH began with excellent weather for wall- 
building; but, to the Directors’ surprise, the 
work was not begun. 

A visit of inquiry to Concord and Woodsville, 
N. H., where the contractors resided, brought an 
assurance that all was right, and labor should begin 
at once. April came, however, and nothing had 
been accomplished; not even the necessary municipal 
permit had been obtained for the use of the street 
during the process of building. 

The contractors were then summoned to Boston, 
and the reason of the delay was ascertained to be a 
deadlock between the builders and the firm from 
15 


16 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


whicb. they expected to buy the iron or steel beams. 
The Directors had been informed that the metal was 
bought in December, and they never dreamed of 
trouble in this direction. Now it appeared that the 
proposed purchase had never been completed, be- 
cause of a difference of opinion between architect 
and dealer, as to the amount of iron called for by 
the plans. On the insistence of the Directors, an 
agreement was reached, and part of the iron 
promised in ten days, the rest to follow at intervals 
sufficient to prevent further delay in building. 

Mrs. Eddy had already been asking when tlio 
Directors would be ready to lay the Comer-Rtoioc; 
but they were unable to answer the question as 
yet only a few stones had been delivered, 

One of the .contractors remained in Bostos; lo corn- 
mence operations, and the next point to be : dned 
was to have him obtain a permit from the city for 
the use of the street while building. The fact that 
he did not live in the State made the matter &}nje- 
what troublesome, for he must give bonds to prob'd dr; 


IRON QUESTION AND CORNER-STONE. 17 

for any possible cases of accident, and must have a 
resident bondsman. This was adjusted satisfactorily, 
the permit at last gained, the exact lines of the 
building-lot located by a surveyor, and the first stone 
of the Church wall laid April 24. 

The first supply of iron from Pennsylvania did 
not arrive when promised, and at nearly the same 
time the Directors were advised to fi:x upon May 1, 
as the date for laying the Corner-Stone. 

According to the design, this Stone was to rest in 
the wall over an arch which must first be spanned 
by four heavy, curved, iron beams. How were these 
beams to be obtained in time? Two plans were 
proposed: one, that a Director go to Pennsylvania, 
see that this indispensable part of the iron was at 
once shipped, and follow it to its destination; the 
other, that the curved beams be bought in Boston, 
at the Directors’ own expense. Both suggestions 
were rejected: because, as it was argued, a journey 
to Pennsylvania would interfere with the contracting 
manufacturers, and to buy the iron at home would 


18 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


be to pay for it twice. Our Teacher and Mother 
was consulted, and the date for laying the Corner- 
Stone was postponed. 

The pressure to go forward and do something be- 
came more imperative every day; while, at the same 
time, everything material claimed to discourage and 
hinder the Directors, fears within and foes with- 
out.” The stronger the demand, the more impossi- 
ble it seemed to obtain materials, or to advance the 
work. 

All this time, during the month of May, almost 
nothing could be done, because no iron had arrived. 
Upon the foundation was to be built a twenty-inch 
brick wall, faced with eight inches of grey granite. 
All that had been done up to this time, all that could 
be done until the beams were in place, was to lay the 
stone face, and a part of its brick backing, leaving 
projecting bricks and iron bars with which to tie the 
whole together when the rest of the brick could be 
laid. 

Several feet of this incomplete wall had been 


IRON QUESTION AND CORNER-STONE. 


19 


built, wben further counsel from our Teacher and 
Mother designated May 21, 1894, as the day for 
laying the Corner-Stone. 

To make sure that it was on hand when needed, the 
Directors had already sent for this Stone; and it was 
now in the little wooden shanty, put up for the use 
of the contractors as an office, near the corner itself. 
The Stone was to be polished and engraved at the 
quarry; and, not being quite ready when sent for, 
was finished on the Church-grounds. The copper 
receptacle for memorial books and papers had also 
been provided, so that everything was in readiness, 
except the wall where the Stone must be laid. 

To get the curved iron beams from Pennsylvania, 
and in accordance with the contract, for May 21, 
proved to be impossible, and it seemed unwise to 
postpone the date again; so the beams were ordered 
from a Boston firm, who promised, as the best they 
could do, that the iron should be delivered by 
May 20. 

Three days before the Stone was to be placed, the 


20 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


Directors met at the Christian Science Publishing 
House, then on Boylston Street, where the copper 
box was in readiness, and the following articles, 
wrapped separately in oil-silk, were put within it: 

The Bible, in finest morocco binding. 

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by 
the Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, eighty-fourth edition, in the 
same size and binding as the copy of the Bible. 

Also, by the same author: — 

Retrospection and Introspection. 

Unity oe Good. 

No AND Yes. 

Rudimental Divine Science. 

People’s Idea of God. 

Christian Healing. 

Historical Sketch of Christian Science Mind-Healing. 

Defence of Christian Science (out of print, a copy 
being furnished by a student). 

Five Numbers of the Christian Science Series. 

An Address, in manuscript, written for the occasion. 

Beside these : — 

The Christian Science Journal, June, Yol. YI., 1894. 

The Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons, for 
April, May, and June, 1894. 

Three Cards: the first containing a list of the students 
who contributed one thousand dollars each to the building- 
fund; the second, a grateful acknowledgment of the same 
by our Teacher; the third, a list of the Board of Directors 
written by Mrs. Eddy’s own hand. 


IRON QUESTION AND CORNER-STONE. 


21 


The Directors took the box to the factory which 
had furnished it, where they saw it hermetically 
sealed, and then drove with it to the Church-site. It 
was about half-past five in the afternoon. The work- 
men were just leaving, and the carriage waited down 
the street, till all but the superintendent had gone. 
Alone the Directors entered the little shanty where 
the Stone lay, and put the sealed box in its resting- 
place. A copy of the Mother’s Address was read 
(the original being already in the box), the iron lid 
was fitted into the Stone over the coffer, and the 
superintendent called in to cement it firmly into 
place. 

It had already been decided by the Directors that 
the Stone, with its valuable contents, should not be 
out of their sight, or that of some trusty individual, 
till permanently placed in the wall. Accordingly, 
two young men, James A. I^eal and Thomas W. 
Hatten, students of Eev. Mary Baker Eddy, had been 
chosen as watchers; and they remained in the shanty 
three stormy nights, while one of the Directors 


22 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


stayed there during the daytime. So this precious 
Stone was guarded every moment. 

These busy days went by, but still no iron came 
from Pennsylvania. Students were blaming those in 
charge for all delays, but suggested no remedy for 
the difficulties; while our contractors seemed utterly 
helpless. The Directors saw they must take the iron- 
question into their own hands; and, accordingly, on 
May 19, they sent one of their number to Pennsyl- 
vania, to remain until the iron, at least for the first 
floor, was shipped, and then to trace its course to 
Boston. 

On his arrival, this Director found that nothing 
had been done at the mill; but when he explained to 
the proprietors what was wanted, they agreed to put 
all their forces day and night on this job, and finish it 
at the earliest possible moment. 

Monday morning. May 21, three of the Directors, 
the fourth being in Pennsylvania, met on the 
grounds. They found that the superintendent of the 
building had been called away for the day, a most 


I 



THE CORNER-STONE. 

, 1 ^' 


\ 


I 


\ 




IRON QUESTION AND CORNER-STONE. 


23 


unusual and unexpected thing, leaving only a fore- 
man in charge, who had but little idea of the plan 
of the work. It was declared impossible that the 
wall could be made ready that day. 

The Directors were obliged to take charge of affairs 
themselves; and, calling every man on the grounds 
to one point, they had the work begun of preparing 
the place for the Corner-Stone. The long, curved 
iron beams were slowly laid over the piers, — a dif- 
ficult process because of the weight and shape of the 
beams, — and at last bolted securely together. Then 
the wall was begun, and was almost finished, when 
it was discovered that the stones, fitted and shaped 
for the rounded corner, were laid too far on one side 
for the ground-plan ; so it was necessary to take down 
the masonry, and begin again. 

Finally all was ready; the Corner-Stone was put 
on rollers and pushed into place by hand. Then the 
workmen withdrew. The three Directors uncovered 
their heads; and, laying each a hand on the Stone, 
they prayed silently, and repeated the Lord’s Prayer 
in unison. 


24 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


So tlie simple ceremony was performed at close of 
day, alone with God; and, as the Mother had quoted 
in a letter on this subject, “ His voice was not heard 
in the street.” The sun, which had been behind the 
clouds for three days, burst forth in brightness, just 
at this moment, and shone upon the Corner-Stone. 


CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS. 

And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of 
them that did the work, ... to the carpenters and builders, 
that wrought upon the house of the Lord. 

II. Kings xii. 11. 

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; we are 
perplexed, but not in despair. — ll. Corinthians iv. 8. 

S OO]^ after the laying of the Corner-Stone the 
Director returned from Pennsylvania, with a 
portion of the iron-work for the first fioor. He had 
been absent two weeks; and, after watching the manu- 
facturing process day and night, had followed the 
iron from point to point on its journey, tracing its 
entire course to the last change, and had thus pre- 
vented the freight-car from being side-tracked, or 
otherwise hindered. The arrival of this iron proved 
that every demonstration, every effort to be obedi- 
ent, makes the next step possible. 

Larger foundation-stones had been used than 
the contract required, and this necessitated the 
25 


26 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


floor-beams being made correspondingly shorter. 
The alteration was noticed in time for the architect 
to make a new drawing, which he forwarded to the 
Boston iron-contractor, who, in turn, sent the sketch 
to the Pennsylvania mill, but without instructions 
as to what it signified. He then informed our ar- 
chitect that, as the beams were already rolled, their 
recutting would cost twenty-five dollars. The state- 
ment was incorrect, for the iron-work had not yet 
been touched. 

A month later, when the work was really done, 
no attention was paid to the altered measurements 
on the architect’s last drawing; consequently, when 
the beams arrived, they were found to be too long. 
This caused delay, but the difficulty was overcome 
by chipping off the stone, so as to allow the beams 
more space in the wall. 

Meantime the Directors were being troubled by 
another problem. The building-fund was still in- 
sufficient to guarantee all the contracts required for 
different parts of the Church; but it was now time 




/ 



BUILDING THE 


ROOF STAGING. 








CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS. 


27 


that plans should be settled and agreements made 
for the entire work. From this time to the end 
these questions were constantly to be considered: 
What section must next be built, in order to protect 
and strengthen what is already done? What work 
must be put in at the same time other parts are being 
constructed? What contracts would require the 
most time for obtaining necessary materials? Most 
urgent of all was this question: What could be paid 
for? 

There should be a contract for the roof, in 
order that the iron frame be made in time, and 
the roofer have his materials ready for finishing as 
soon as the walls were up. As fast, therefore, as the 
necessary amount was in the hands of the Treasurer, 
contracts were signed to meet the more pressing 
demands, the Directors now making each individual 
agreement themselves, so as to bring matters more 
under their immediate care, and avoid all possible 
mistakes or delays. 

^7ear the end of June it became evident that the 


28 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


iron columns for the support of the auditorium and 
g’alleries would be needed very soon, and the builders 
were so notified. This iron, like the floor-beams, was 
included in the original great contract,’^ and had 
been sublet to some Massachusetts manufacturers. 
After much urging, several columns were delivered; 
but, upon examination, they proved to be altogether 
unfit for use. The company insisted that they were 
good, and refused to replace them. The first week 
in July the polumns had all been furnished; and the 
City Inspector of Buildings, who examined every 
part of the work as it progressed, condemned the 
entire lot. ^Nevertheless, the firm still claimed that 
their castings should be accepted. 

It was the middle of July. There was no prospect 
of continuing the work under two weeks; and if the 
order were to be duplicated from the same mill, the 
delay might be indefinite. Another firm was found, 
who agreed to furnish this iron to our contractors 
in two weeks; but even then, when the columns were 
delivered, several days more must be spent in setting 


CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS. 


29 


them up and laying the beams upon them; so that 
the work on the walls, which had come to a stand, 
could be resumed. This, at the best, meant nearly 
a month of lost time. 

During the delay nothing, practically, was done. 
All the workmen left, but two or three stone- 
layers and one brick-layer. The iron foundry was 
prompt, however; and, before the specified time, 
enough columns were ready so that the work could 
begin again. 

The building advanced rapidly for a time, but it 
was not long before progress was again impeded. 
The floor-beams were slow in coming, and many were 
not drilled in the proper places. To rectify all this 
was slow work; and so the weary days dragged on 
through August and September. Once more the 
same Director was sent to Pennsylvania, where he 
remained till he saw all the iron of the contract man- 
ufactured and shipped. There was, therefore, no 
more hindrance from this quarter, except for the 
cutting and fitting of the beams. 


30 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


The discontent of the masons was causing great 
inconvenience. It is customary for masons to be paid 
weekly, but our contractors sometimes neglected to 
provide the money as often as once in two weeks. 
When the men threatened to quit work, the builders 
would have let them go;, but, in order to prevent 
delays, the Directors advanced the amount. On 
one occasion, the money to pay the men was col- 
lected from the Christian Science students who 
happened to be on the premises. After this the 
Directors reserved a sufficient sum, from their 
monthly settlement with the contractors, to ensure 
the wages of the laborers. 

The iron frame was to have been placed on the 
roof between August 20 and September 10; but at 
this period the walls were very far from completion, 
nor was the roofer ready with his iron. The rail- 
road strike in Chicago had cut off from the mills their 
supply of coal, so that the metal could not be 
moulded when promised. 

ISTot until the last of September did the roof -iron 



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CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS. 


31 


begin to arrive. It was hoped the frame would be 
set up in a few days; but in this, as in so many other 
things, there was disappointment. The contractor 
found many excuses for postponement; and, when he 
finally announced himself ready to begin, two weeks 
were spent in erecting scaffolds and derricks. At 
last, after all these tedious delays, which seemed so 
unnecessary to the Directors, the roof-work was fairly 
under way; and the contractor was urged to add to 
his force, until he had as many men on the building 
as could be profitably employed. 

At every step difficulties multiplied; and affairs 
became more and more complicated, till the com- 
pletion of the Church within the time specified, 
seemed impossible. The struggle grew harder and 
more hopeless, to human sense, as each day brought 
its added burden: as if one must make a journey, 
upon which life depended, yet could find no train; 
then, when that was found or built, no engine; then; 
no coal, no track, and so on, with impediments mul- 
tiplying almost beyond imagination. Nevertheless, 


32 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


the Directors knew that God was directing our 
Teacher and Mother, and would not demand the 
unachievable of so faithful a servant. This knowl- 
edge and faith gave them strength to press on; and, 
as the Children of Israel looked to Moses to lead 
them safely through the Wilderness, so they had con- 
fidence that God would, through our Leader, show 
the way out of this apparently desperate condition. 

It was clear, if the Church was to be completed in 
1894, the final contracts for the interior should be 
made at once; yet no liability could be incurred be- 
yond the limits of the money on hand, which was 
not yet sufficient to finish the structure. Those who 
knew nothing of these conditions, insisted that all 
contracts be closed at once; but the Directors, striv- 
ing to be faithful to their trust, and to their own 
highest sense of right, continued to follow the wise 
guidance of God^s chosen one. 

All this time the author had hoped for some 
way of escape from what seemed such an impossi- 
bility as to finish the Church within the appointed 


CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS. 


33 


year; but after a visit to tbe Mother, and a brief 
conversation about the building, his doubts vanished 
forever. Like Elisha’s servant when his eyes were 
opened, he saw that They that be with us are more 
than they that be with them ” (II. Kings vi. 
14-17), and from this hour he knew as an absolute 
certainty that, whatever the seeming, the work 
would he done! 

On October 18 our Teacher requested one of the 
Directors to take especial charge of the work, and 
give it all his time. 

For a month past three workmen had been engrav- 
ing an Inscription on the pink granite tablet, built 
into the circular wall of the tower. On October 20 
the work was completed, and the boards of the 
staging knocked off, so the words could be seen. 
The first sight of this Inscription was most impres- 
sive, even to those who knew how it was to read : — 


34 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST. 

Erected Anno Domini, 1894. 

A Testimonial to our beloved Teacher, the Reverend 
Mary Baker Eddy: Discoverer and Founder of Chris* 
TiAN Science: Author of its Text-book, Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures : President of the 
Massachusetts Metaphysical College, and the first 
Pastor of this Denomination. 

During this month a contract for stained glass was 
concluded with the firm that seemed best able to 
bring out the ideas of Christian Science in this direc- 
tion. One of the contractors had spent some time 
in Europe, visiting the great churches. He showed 
much interest in developing designs for interior 
decoration, and was employed by the Directors to 
procure samples of material from the different dealers, 
so that a meeting could be held in his room, and 
a color-scheme be arranged that would harmonize 
with the glass. There were brought together samples 
of carpets and cushions, marble for dado, baseboard, 
and stairs, beside specimens of wood already ordered 
for the pews, and fresco-designs for which estimates 


CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS. 


35 


had been submitted. The tints for all materials were 
chosen at this meeting. 

Less easy was a decision about the flooring, and 
for some time it seemed impossible to decide what 
should be used. Mosaic was desired for floors as well 
as dados; but this was not only m9re costly than 
wood, but required more time, — now an important 
consideration. At the last possible moment enough 
money came in to warrant a choice of the preferred 
material. The contractor would not promise his 
work in less than two months, even including extra 
night hours; and after the Directors had agreed to 
his estimates, there was a suspense of several days, 
while he was considering whether, after all, he would 
undertake the job. 

As the time grew shorter, more and more questions 
pressed for settlement, each seeming more diffl- 
cult than the last. Funds were still insufficient, and 
great care was needed for the wise expendi- 
ture of what contributions the Treasurer held. 

The interior of the building showed nothing but 


36 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


rough brick walls, bare iron floor-beams, and dreary 
piles of debris; while mechanics and builders were 
declaring that it would require six months’ more 
work to make the place ready for use. 

Under this pressure the Directors struggled on 
through October and came to E'ovember, while every- 
thing seemed to be saying: ^‘You cannot flnish the 
Church in 1894! ” 

All these months there was beautiful weather, 
with scarcely any rain, — a remarkable season. 
On the morning of ISTovember 6 our Churoh, unpro- 
tected by roof, floor, or window, was full of snow, 
— the earliest snowstorm that had fallen in the city 
for many years. From this time on, though the work 
never ceased, the weather was frequently something 
to contend against. 

Confronted by this fearful array of material evi- 
dence, the Directors pushed on with unfaltering trust 
in the divine, omnipresent power of God. 



IN NOVEMBER. 


f 


r .r 







HELP AND SHELTER. 


He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High 
shall abide under the shadow of the Almightyi I will say 
of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in 
him will I trust. — Psalm xci. 1, 2. 



HE contract for heating and ventilating ap- 


1 paratus was given to Edward P. Bates, C. S. D., 
of Syracuse, H. Y., who, after arranging for his 
own work, placed his whole time at the service of 
the Directors. The offer was accepted, and from 
Hovemher 12, till the building was entirely finished, 
he and Mrs. Bates remained there constantly. As 
Mr. Bates had much experience in building, and his 
wife also was familiar with the technicalities of 
architectural plans, they proved invaluable assistants, 
bringing into the work fresh ideas, as well as new 
courage. 

As one result, another architect, with his draughts- 
man, was employed to assist in improving the 


37 


38 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


interior designs, the former leaving his office in 
Hartford, Conn., in order to give his entire attention 
to our Church. 

Beside the one lady who was already giving her 
time to the work, Mrs. Caroline W. Frame, C. S. B., 
of Hew York City, and Mrs. Emilie B. Hulin, 
C. S. B., of Brooklyn, were called to Boston to assist 
our progress. They devoted themselves to selecting 
furniture and fittings for Mother^s Boom; and, al- 
though all questions must be deferred to the Di- 
rectors for decision, yet their taste and experience 
in house-furnishing was of great value. They also 
looked after the windows, to urge the work forward, 
to see that subjects were properly brought , out, and 
that all was made harmonious. 

The original plan had been to finish the audi- 
torium and Mother’s Boom in wood; but now marble 
was suggested, and the arched entrance to Mother’s 
Boom was designed. It was also decided to raise 
the ceiling of the auditorium three feet and omit 
the plastered beams and panels at first designed. 



ALMOST READY FOR THE ROOF. 


'l 



HELP AND SHELTER. 


39 


The contract for roofing included terra-cotta, 
ready-roofing of paper, slates, and copper guttering. 
The terra-cotta work had been sublet to the same 
% party who was to attend to the fire-proofing of the 
floors; and the foreman for all this business was a 
man of great executive ability, who took much in- 
terest in the building. 

As soon as the iron roof-frame was in place, the 
roofer was daily urged to employ more help, in or- 
der to hasten this most needed part of the building. 
He began with only two or three men; and even after 
a week’s continued urging, only a few more had 
been employed. The foreman then explained that he 
had engaged thirty different men during this time; 
but as soon as they agreed to go on the roof, they 
seemed stricken with fear. Some would go up, 
only to come immediately down, and slip away 
without a word; while others would not even 
mount, but only look up at the roof, and then 
walk off. When the Directors learned this fact, 
the difficulty was overcome, and in two days all the 
men needed were at work. 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


iO 

While the terra-cotta did not wholly exclude 
rain, still it made quite a shelter; and it was there- 
fore a surprise to find that the roofers, after laying 
the blocks from the summit down to within five feet 
of the gutter, ceased work, leaving this space un- 
covered all around the building. On inquiry it 
appeared that the architect had been persuaded by 
the roof -contractor to change the plans for the gut- 
ters. This would require an extension of the en- 
tire iron frame five feet, and meant several weeks’ 
delay. The new arrangement was countermanded 
at once, and the contractor ordered to begin 
again on the original plan, which he himself had 
approved when the contract was made. 

Once more work was resumed, but again ceased. 
The contractor claimed, if the blocks were laid to the 
outer edge of the roof, that the water would there- 
by be conducted into the walls, where it would 
freeze, and throw them down. The Directors 
were unwilling to accept this excuse; and two of 
them went at once to the office of the roofing com- 


HELP AND SHELTER. 


41 


pany, to see about having the work finished according 
to agreement. 

The company was one of the oldest and most 
reliable in Boston. During the conversation with 
the members present, every argument and excuse 
they could bring forward, — in regard to weather, 
for example, — was so answered, that at last the 
senior partner had to admit that the work could 
continue without interruption, and even prom- 
ised to be at the Church himself the next morning, 
to see that operations were resumed. There were 
still many difficulties to overcome before the roof 
was finished, but nothing else caused so much delay. 

The Director in charge, with his assistants, now 
found it necessary to oversee the work continually, 
and remained on the premises all day and a part of 
the night. By the middle of l^ovember the roof 
was closed in with terra-cotta, and window-open- 
ings were covered with canvas. The interior was 
heated by stoves and lighted with electricity, so that 
work might continue until midnight, or even later. 


42 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


It was in tlie evening that most of the fire-proofing 
was laid in the floors and concreted over, — first 
in the auditorium, and then in the vestry. The 
only risk run in laying these floors before the roof 
was complete, was that water might drip through 
upon them, and freeze; but this never occurred. 
These hollow terra-cotta bricks, about ten inches 
long by six in width and thickness, are not only 
fire-proof, but are very light and strong. The blocks 
are cemented together between the iron beams of the 
floor-frame, resting on its flanged edges; and in 
twenty-four hours, when the cement has set, are 
solid, and capable of resisting great pressure. 

One morning, when, after a long struggle, plenty 
of men were at last on hand for the work on the 
floors, one of the masons looked up and exclaimed: 
‘‘Well, sir, I believe you’ll get it done!” He 
meant that the Church would be ready for use 
in the appointed time. This was in a dark hour, 
when even those from whom testimony opposed 
to the senses was expected, lacked faith to voice an 


« 





THE DARKEST HOUR. 




Ck 



\4 



HELP AND SHELTER. 


43 


assurance such as this. Many students, visiting the 
place, would look blankly at the bare walls, and say: 
You can’t get it done, can you? ” 

Like a message from Heaven came the following 
lines, quoted by our Teacher and Mother, to lighten 
these heavy days, and increase our confidence in her 
perpetual elevation above the clouds of sense. 

To THE C. S. Boaed of Directors. 

Friday, 10 a.m., November 23, 1894. 
When the mists have risen above us. 

As our Father knows His own, 

Face to face with those who love us, 

We shall know as we are known. 

Love, beyond the Orient meadows. 

Floats the golden fringe of day ; 

Heart to heart we bide the shadows, 

Till the mists have cleared away. 


Mother. 


A NIGHT’S WORK. 


In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the 
night with a light of fire. — Psalm Ixxviii. 14. 

So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by 
them, and they set the house of God in his state. 


11. Chronicles xxiv. 13. 


HE ready-roofing being laid over tbe terra-co-tta, 



1 and tbe gutters cemented with pitch, the roof 
was practically water-tight, and could thus stand for 
months. While the slate and copper were being put 
on, there were several heavy rains and some snow; 
yet this caused no uneasiness, as the work on the 
interior could continue without hindrance. Neither 
was the finishing of the exterior delayed by the 
weather; for, through all the wind and storm of 
November and December, the work advanced stead- 
ily, although sometimes the roofers were obliged to 
shovel off the snow before beginning their daily task. 

As soon as the roof would keep out water, and 


44 


A night’s work. 


45 


the walls were in a proper condition, it was ex- 
pected that the plasterer would set his men to work, 
without waiting for other parts of the Church to be 
finished; but this was not in accord with his ideas, 
for he expected to have the building exclusively to 
himself for some eight weeks. Valuable time was 
lost over this point, and but little accomplished. 

Meantime the iron frame was getting into place 
for the vaulted ceiling. As fast as one part was 
prepared, it was desirable that the wire lathing 
should at once be added, in order to make 
ready for plastering. The contractor being still 
reluctant to work in what seemed to him so irreg- 
ular a fashion, here was more delay; but at length 
he agreed to let his men work one night, with extra 
wages assured, and the Directors furnishing light and 
heat. The arrangement was that as many men as 
feasible should be set to work on the auditorium 
ceiling, which would be the longest job; the strips 
under the galleries having already been plastered at’ 
intervals when other mechanics were not in the 


way. 


4:6 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


The night selected was Saturday, December 8, 
with the hope that the work would be finished before 
morning, and the plaster dry during the Sunday 
following. Scaffolding had been put up a day or 
two before; so, when the plaster was provided, there 
was nothing more to do but mix it with water and 
apply to walls and ceiling. A patent preparation 
was to be used, which dries very quickly, is 
powdered like fiour, and can be brought into a build- 
ing in bags, and piled up ready for use. 

On Saturday morning the contractor agreed to 
have enough material on hand for beginning work by 
five in the afternoon; but about three o’clock, when 
at least seventeen tons of dry plaster were expected, 
one lone team drove up through the dismal rain 
and fog, and stopped at the Church. Upon in- 
quiry it was learned that no arrangement had been 
made for delivering any more than this one load, of 
four tons. 

Something must be done at once, or all this labor 
and planning, to save a few hours^ time, would be 


A night’s work. 


47 


lost. The Directors sent immediately to the tele- 
phone to find out if this driver could not be allowed 
to bring another load; but after half an hour’s 
waiting for a clear line^ word came that the team 
could not be out any longer. 

Effort was then made to communicate with the 
plaster warehouse; and after more delay, the agent 
was reached just as he was locking up for the night. 

You must be insane! ” was his first reply, through 
the telephone, to a request that sixteen tons more 
plaster be sent at once. After some explanatory 
debate, he went out to look for teams, and shortly 
returned to the wire, with the welcome message 
that three teams more were already loaded, and a 
fourth team would be soon on the road. By nine 
o’clock all the bags were lying on the Church floor. 

Unless the plasterers could work the full hours 
agreed upon, they refused to do anything; but, be- 
fore time for the long labor to begin, it was known 
that more material was coming; and, at five o’clock, 
there were fifteen men mixing the plaster, and 


48 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


some fifteen more ready to put it on. All seemed 
inspired with energy and activity, till spectators, 
long acquainted with such work, declared they had 
never seen plasterers cover space so rapidly and so 
well. The workmen themselves were amazed at 
what was accomplished. The Scientists in charge 
remained to encourage and cheer every effort, and 
by morning two coats of plaster were on the audi- 
torium. Thus was a great victory won. 

Monday, December 10, the finishing touches were 
put on the ceiling; and Thursday of the same week 
the painters began to do their part. 


THE HAKMONY OF TRADES. 


Speaking the truth in love, may we grow up into him in 
all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the 
whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that 
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual work- 
ing in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the 
body, unto the edifying of itself in love. 

Ephesians iv. 15, 16. 

F rom the middle of September to December 
first, the great problem to be solved was, How 
can it be managed so that mechanics of different 
trades shall work together simultaneously on the 
Church? This must be done, if the building 
was to be finished in 1894; yet each contractor 
in turn expected and demanded to have the place 
cleared of all workmen except his own. When 
the Directors asked any one contractor to go to 
work while others were still busy, each declared 
it impossible. This caused in every case a delay 
of two or three days. Then each contractor would 
49 


50 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


agree to make the trial; while the Directors, on their 
part, promised to see that no other contractor in- 
terfered. 

The staging for the iron roof-frame was erected, 
and work begun on the roof, before the walls were 
finished. E'ext, the plumbers, who, like all the 
other contractors, were behind with their work, 
began operations; and a few boards were spread on 
the floor-beams above, to protect the workmen be- 
low from the pieces of iron, bolts, tools, and other 
materials, constantly falling from the roof. 

As soon as the roof-frame was in place, men 
began putting on the terra-cotta blocks and other 
roofing materials, at the same time the terra-cotta 
slabs and concrete were being laid for the floors. 

When a part of the floor-blocks were laid and 
concreted over, the mosaic work was commenced; 
and, while these various undertakings were getting 
under way, the iron frame for the ceiling was being 
put up, and still other contractors were finding 
places for their men. 



“ Bits of mud and iron, and occasionally a tool, would fall from the 
hands above, but nobody below was in the least injured.” — Page 51, 



THE HARMONY OF TRADES. 


51 


The mosaic was laid around the bottoms of the 
heavy posts that upheld the staging for the ceiling 
work. As fast as a part of the iron was in place, 
this staging was removed, and the spaces where the 
posts had stood were filled in with mosaic. 

Bits of mud and iron, and occasionally a tool, 
would fall from the hands above, but nobody below 
was in the least injured. 

The only accident that occurred during the build- 
ing was to a painter, who stepped through a hole 
in tho unfinished vestry floor, and sprained his 
ankle. A Christian Scientist came at once to his 
aid, and relieved him of pain. His contracting em- 
ployer, however, fearing there might be damages 
to pay, insisted that the man be sent to the rail- 
road station in a cab, and return to his home in the 
suburbs. He resided about ten minutes’ walk from 
the station; and the next morning he was able to 
run to catch his train, in order promptly to re- 
sume his place. 

As the work progressed with wonderful rapidity, 


52 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


other mechanics began their labor, side by side with 
those already busy, until, by December first, every 
industry having aught to do with building the 
Church was represented there, making a force of some 
two hundred men. To keep them moving together 
harmoniously meant rapid and continuous action 
by those in charge, i^^o one set of laborers must 
be allowed to fall behind, lest this disturb some 
other set, and bring the work to a standstill; 
for the men could only labor together in proportion 
as the work of each separate trade was kept out of 
the way of that following. 

The Director in charge, who had full authority to 
decide any question, must, every few minutes, visit 
all parts of the work as it advanced; because the 
different gangs of men all protested at working in 
company, and were only held together by the Di- 
rectors’ promise that one trade should not inter- 
fere with, or trespass on the rights of another. 

Questions were continually arising, as to how this 
or that should be done. One change would often 


THE HARMONY OF TRADES. 


53 


necessitate another; and, in connection with the 
question of how something should be done, was 
always the underlying question of expense. 

It is certainly worthy of note, as showing that the 
power of Mind was really building our Church, that 
these explications of mechanical difficulties — often 
given by one without experience in this particular 
branch of labor, and with no architectural plan at 
hand for consultation — were always accepted by the 
workmen, and proved satisfactory. 

Although, as has just been said, the matter of cost 
had always to be considered, — and this necessity 
continued until the aw^ard of the very last contract, 
— yet it should be stated, that the question of money 
scarcely affected the building of the Church. Be- 
ginning with October, the Treasurer was advised to 
tell no one what funds were on hand. Even the 
Directors could only ask him. Can such or such a 
thing be afforded? But, as often happened, while 
the Directors were in doubt which material or 
design to choose, enough money would be received, 


54 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


during the time of deliberation, to render the price 
no longer a prime consideration, and leave them 
free to adopt the most appropriate suggestion, though 
sometimes the most expensive. The last month’s 
contributions were very generous; but the Directors 
were careful of expense until the very end. 

The municipal permit for using the streets bound- 
ing the Church-lot, included only the Falmouth 
Street side. The way on the north side, now called 
I^orway Street, had not then been accepted by the 
city, but it was lawful for the contractors to use one 
half the width of this street for unloading, mixing 
cement, and preparing other materials. At a time 
when loads were arriving hourly, and every foot of 
space was needed, K^orway Street was accepted by the 
city, a contract was made for a sewer-pipe to be laid, 
and our builders were ordered to move their effects 
immediately. Much of our work had therefore to be 
abandoned for a few days, till arrangements could be 
made for workmen and materials in the narrow li mi ts 
of Falmouth Street. 


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THE HARMONY OF TRADES. 


55 


The laborers who had been busy on this side 
thought themselves already overcrowded, and when 
called upon to share their space with the workmen 
from i^orway Street, they set up a strong protest; 
but the Director in charge, knowing that in Divine 
Mind no man can encroach upon his neighbor, 
assured the men they need fear no interference or 
molestation. Soon all found places, and the work 
went on as smoothly as if each mechanic had 
the street to himself. The Director thanked God 
for deliverance, and took courage. 

To give some idea of what was done during the 
month of December, besides the superintendence of 
the work, the following list of contracts is given, 
with the dates when they were signed: 

Decorations, December 5. 

Yestry chairs, December 5. 

Marble, December 6. 

Pulpit, and the furniture for Mother’s Koom, 
December 7. 

Electric fixtures, December 8. 


56 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


Marble for Mother’s Eoom, December 12. 

Stereo-relief work, December 13. 

Sidewalk, December 14. 

Bronze torches and brackets, December 18. 

Onyx mantel for Mother’s Boom, December 20. 

From the first of December to the morning of 
January 6, no busier place than our Church could 
have been found in Boston. The whole structure, 
within and without, was alive with workmen. Heav- 
ily loaded teams were arriving at all hours during the 
day, and far into the night; and the creak of wheels 
and derricks was constantly heard, as roofing 
materials, brick, and stone were being raised, by hand 
or steam, to roof and tower. Plaster, paint, 
glass, and other necessaries for interior finish, 
were being carried up the long planks, through 
the Church door; and to all these indications of 
activity, were added the calls from workmen above, 
giving orders and directions, answered by those 
beneath. 

Inside the building, from boiler-room to audi- 












THE HARMONY OF TRADES. 


57 


torinm ceiling, a still more active scene met the 
eye, if that were possible. Concrete was being 
mixed and spread in one part, mosaic laid in an- 
other. The painter followed close after the plasterer. 
The plumber, the electrician, workmen putting in 
the heating and ventilating apparatus, mingled 
with the others. A constant stream of laborers 
clattered up and down the unfinished stairs, carry- 
ing in new material, or taking out rubbish. 

Every workman seemed to feel the importance of 
punctually finishing the work. Among the different 
contractors and their gangs of employees there was 
never a word of dispute. On the contrary, it was re- 
markable how carefully each artisan recognized the 
rights of every other. Side by side with artists set- 
ting the delicate pieces of colored glass were those 
chiselling and hammering the metal casements or 
the iron staircases. The beautiful onyx mantel was 
put up in the Mother’s Eoom, while at the same time 
rougher work was being done; yet nothing was in- 
jured, and no man interfered with his neighbor. 


58 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


About the middle of December, the auditorium 
was filled with the scaffolding put up for the plas- 
terers; and, on every stage of it, men were busy 
plastering, painting, decorating, fitting in the sun- 
burst and windows. The mosaic floor had been laid, 
but was covered with heavy paper and boards, to pre- 
vent soiling from paint and plaster. The dado was 
being set, with marble baseboard and cap. Gallery 
posts were being wire-lathed and plastered. The 
stereo-relief contractor had just begun his work. 
Electric fixtures were being put in, doors fitted and 
hung, and terra-cotta laid in the gallery. Every- 
body seemed in earnest, anxious to accomplish as 
much as possible. The buzzing of the sawing- 
machine, cutting metal for window-frames, the clank 
of steel tools upon the stairs, the pounding of wooden 
hammers on mosaic floors, — these were the sounds 
that rose above the general hum of activity. 

Surely it can be said that no other building was 
ever erected in such a way. When Solomon built 
his Temple, the men who wrought were personally 


THE HARMONY OF TRADES. 


59 


interested therein, and worldly wealth was at their 
service; but, in our Church, all things material 
seemed opposed to its advancement. 

In this harmonious working of the trades, and 
their earnest effort to finish on time, was recognized 
the hand of our Heavenly Father, turning back the 
armies of the aliens, bringing to naught the plans 
of the wicked, and revealing Himself as Divine 
Principle, governing human affairs. It was a new 
demonstration of the oneness of Divine Mind, and 
the universal brotherhood of man; of the nothingness 
of material, and the omnipotence of spiritual law, a? 
taught in Christian Science. 


TESTIMONTAL WINDOWS AND OTHER GIFTS. 


And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of 
carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 


Isaiah liv. 12. 


Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the 
marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made 
herself ready. — Bevelation xix. 7. 


after the work on the building was fairly 



vj started, different societies and churches in our 
ranks, as well as individual students, began asking 
for the privilege of paying for special objects; and 
this was granted, but on condition that the money 
for such purposes be turned over to the Treasurer 
of the building-fund, and the gifts be subject to 
whatever changes our Teacher and Mother or the 
Directors might think necessary. 

In this way were purchased doors, dado for stair- 
ways and vestibules, electric fixtures, mosaic floors; 
marble treads for the vestibule steps, marble window- 


60 


TESTIMONIAL WINDOWS AND OTHER GIFTS. 61 


sills, cushions and platform; the pulpit and its 
furnishings, with handsome copies of the Bible and 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures; the 
Mother^s chair, to be kept on the rostrum; con- 
tribution-baskets, with extension handles invented 
by the giver, and the tubular chime of fifteen bells. 
The concert-grand Steinway piano, for the vestry, was 
the donation of one young lady; but the chief single 
benefaction, costing several thousand dollars, was the 
organ, one of the finest in Boston, — a tribute of 
gratitude from a gentleman whose wife had been 
healed through Christian Science. 

In the middle of Kovember a student came from 
the West to see about furnishing the Church with 
bronze doors, but the expense was so much more 
than he expected, that, after a week’s investigation, 
the project was abandoned, and the money given for 
a window and the general fund. 

A well-lighted auditorium had been especially 
desired by the Directors, as one' of the chief char- 
acteristics of the Church; but as it became evident 


62 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


that the painted figures and colored glass would admit 
only a dim and subdued light, some further means 
of letting in the sunshine must be adopted. Some 
one suggested that light be let in from above, 
but this seemed impracticable. The architect was 
consulted, as well as others who might have ideas 
on the subject; and as the roof had not yet been con- 
structed, the plans were examined, to ascertain where 
an opening could be made. It was found feasible, 
with slight additional expense, to insert a skylight, 
measuring ten feet by twenty, directly above the 
auditorium ceiling. 

What could be used in the ceiling itself to let 
through the light thus secured from the roof above ? 
This was the next question; for such an adjunct 
must not only be ornamental in itself, but har- 
monize with the decorations of the interior. After 
many plans had been examined, and many sug- 
gestions received from artists and students, the 
beautiful sunburst now in use was selected, with its 
one hundred and forty-four electric lamps for addi- 
tional illumination. 


TESTIMONIAL WINDOWS AND OTHER GIFTS. 63 


To ensure still more liglit, and forestall any 
possible darkening of our windows by the erection 
of higb walls on adjacent lots, the architect planned 
three light-shafts, which, though necessarily de- 
tracting from the size of the auditorium, really 
add to its symmetry, owing to the peculiar shape of 
the building. One shaft extends from the roof 
down behind the organ, to light the pastor’s study 
and the vestry below. The other two shafts are 
directly behind the two windows representing Mary 
at the Resurrection and the Woman .God-crowned, 
and the two smaller windows above them, on the 
gallery level, thus brightening the pictured glass, 
beside diffusing more light through the entire room. 
It was truly said, there had been brought to 
the Church light from Heaven, which no man could 
take away. 

Still another feature adopted to secure more light 
as well as more beauty was that of bronze window- 
frames. The Romanesque style of architecture in 
which the Church is built gives heavy walls and 


64 : 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


small openings. It was found that heavy wooden 
casings would not only leave the windows too small 
for the best delineation of subjects in stained glass, 
but would also darken the interior somewhat. An- 
other point considered was the liability of wooden 
frames to rapid decay. After full discussion, it was 
determined that all window-casings should be of 
bronze, thus enlarging the area of glass in each 
window about six inches. Hot knowing of any other 
building supplied with such frames, the contractor 
made original designs for them. 

To secure uniformity of workmanship, as well as 
harmony in color and style, the windows were all 
entrusted to the same Boston manufacturers. As 
the ideas of the designers were often far from the 
true interpretation of subjects to be brought out 
in the glazing, the presence of some Christian Sci- 
entist was required, who could be relied upon to 
watch the work daily. It was necessary to have a 
person quick to catch the spiritual meaning of the 
Scripture to be illustrated, or of the subject chosen 


TESTIMONIAL WINDOWS AND OTHER GIFTS. 65 


to present the thought; and this was not all, for 
skilled artisans would not willingly endure dictation 
from an outsider, and wisdom must be used, or the 
workmen would refuse to proceed. The Directors 
wished to express in the designs the spiritual thoughts 
taught by Christian Science, while the artists at- 
tempted to follow traditional religious views as well 
as preconceived notions of art; and their material 
beliefs, inculcated by the popular theories of the day, 
constantly opposed the spiritual idea. One artist 
said, I see that your windows mean something ! ” 
thus recognizing the difference between ordinary 
requirements and those now demanded. 

A number of window-subjects were chosen by our 
Teacher and Mother, while others were selected by 
donors, or by the Directors. The first one given 
as a testimonial was the rose-window at the left of 
the platform, representing the Raising of Jairus^ 
Daughter, which was partly copied from a plate in 
one of the early editions of Science and Health. 
In the six lower sections, palms and lamps signify 
light, intelligence, and victory. 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


The Directors’ rose-window, on the right side of 
the pulpit, was the next to be designed. In a con- 
versation with our Teacher and Mother, early in the 
summer, she spoke of the four-sided city as described 
by Saint John; and, as there were four Directors, 
this suggested to them the idea of their giving the 
other rose- window to the Church, and using the 'New 
Jerusalem as a theme. After careful study of the 
subject, in connection with the beautiful spiritual in- 
terpretation of the Holy City, coming down from 
God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for 
her husband,” as found on page 567 of our textbook. 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the 
figures for the window were selected. 

The definite outlines of the proposed window were 
not taken into consideration when this design from 
the Apocalypse was thought out; and the window had 
been planned, of course, without regard to any sub- 
ject. How, upon examination of the drawing, the 
Directors found a wonderful harmony between their 
ideas and the plan of the window. 


TESTIMONIAL WINDOWS AND OTHER GIFTS. 67 


This circular window was divided into two rows 
of twelve openings each, — the outer panes separating 
the circle into segments; while each inner light had 
the shape of a keystone, or sustaining wedge of an 
arch, sometimes supposed to he the stone designated 
by the Psalmist as the headstone of the corner.” 
Twelve was a most significant number for the pur- 
pose; and, dividing the segments into four groups of 
three each, there was one cluster to represent each 
side of the celestial city. In the central pane of 
each triplet was placed the main symbol of the 
group, with explanatory figures in the two panes 
flanking it. The four main figures were the Bible, 
or Word of God; the Madonna and Child, repre- 
senting Jesus; the Southern Cross, standing for 
Christianity; the Golden Shore of Love, symbolizing 
Christian Science. In the twelve lights of the outer 
circle were as many stars, also arranged in four 
clusters of three lights each, one larger star and two 
smaller ones for each division. 

The rounded central light was the proper place for 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


' 68 

an open Science and Healtk with Key to the 
Scriptures; and this suggested the name, Window 
of the Open Book, signifying that the radiance from 
this new Revelation shows the meaning of all the 
Bible promises and prophecies, as symbolized by 
tbe figures surrounding the centre. 

The architect’s plan for this window further 
included six long lower lights which would come 
below the line of the gallery. The six water-pots, 
chosen for these places, typify the six days of ma- 
terial creation, included in the belief that man has 
a material origin and existence; and they also call 
to memory the marriage in Cana, with its spiritual 
lessons, teaching that, as mortals empty themselves 
of error through the understanding of Truth, they 
are being prepared for union with divine Principle, 
as shown in Christian Science. 

This rose-window has been symbolically read from 
top to bottom. Reversing this order, the eye rises 
from the water-pots, representing mortal conscious- 
ness, to rest upon the cross; then on, past Science 


TESTIMONIAL WINDOWS AND OTHER GIFTS. 69 


and Health, to the topmost ring of lights, where the 
woman is standing upon the moon. So in our human 
experience : “We have this treasure in earthen ves- 
sels,’’ as stated in II. Corinthians iv. 7 ; then we grad- 
ually rise, by way of the cross, till, through Christian 
Science, man, as the divine idea of God, is fully 
realized. 

The other windows are here mentioned in their 
order of presentation. One of the finest in the 
Church is a double window, the Resurrection of 
Lazarus. Its rare perspective, made more striking 
by the stone mullions and clasping irons, give it an 
appearance of being outside the wall, as if one were 
gazing upon a scene of light and color beyond. 

The designers wished to omit the wolf and the 
lamb from the Isaiah window in the vestibule, think- 
ing that so many figures would be inartistic; but 
when the spiritual meaning was explained, they 
saw at once that these types were most necessary. 

The design first submitted for the Apocalyptic 
Angel, with the Little Book, represented the seraph 


70 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


as standing on what were intended for pillars of fire, 
but which looked like red bricks, and wearing materi- 
ally feathered wings, — which useless appendages 
the artist could hardly be persuaded to eliminate. 

Saint John on the Island of Patmos, a double win- 
dow, was copied from an old Bible illustration. 

IN’ext in order came the left gallery window, 
painted with the Bible and Science and Health. 

The four windows in the sides of the auditorium, 
representing subjects proposed by our Teacher and 
Mother, offer much food for thought. The picture 
of the Madonna and Jesus shows us woman’s thought 
of God as the Father of all mankind, although ex- 
pressed as yet in a feeble way. The next window 
portrays woman anointing Jesus as her ideal man, 
who now expresses her thought of God’s Fatherhood 
in a still higher degree. Mary at the Eesurrection 
signifies that woman is first to perceive the risen man, 
— that is, to recognize man as above and beyond 
what is called death and materiality. She has now 
faintly seen that man is spiritual, and to her Jesus 


TESTIMONIAL WINDOWS AND OTHER GIFTS. 7l 


says: have not yet ascended to my Father and 

your Father/’ thus indicating the Master’s recogni- 
tion of her thought. 

In a smaller window, above the Magdalene, is de- 
picted an open Bible, whose record closes, as we 
know, with the prophecy of a God-crowned womian. 
This woman is the subject of the fourth window of 
the series, and above it, in a small separate window 
corresponding to the one where the Bible is painted, 
is another open volume, Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, our textbook. 

The woman of the Apocalypse, and the teachings 
of Christian Science in the book, together signify 
that the perfect idea of God and the spiritual 
universe are revealed; and Christian Science, when 
understood, also reveals that the prophecy of Saint 
John is fulfilled, and the spiritual idea is the God- 
crowned woman. In these windows the Bible and 
Science and Health are shown to be our true pastor 
and preacher, explaining the way of salvation to all 
mortals. 


72 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


There is a peculiar circumstance connected with 
the arrangement of these windows. To place them 
in their present order, so that their story might be 
read from left to right, it was found that the infant 
Jesus had the best light; the Anointing of Jesus came 
in almost as good a place; the Resurrection window 
was rather dark; while the Woman of Prophecy, 
representing the highest revelation of all, had less 
light than any other window in the Church. Thus 
we may see that while the human Jesus is recognised 
as the Son of God by many, the risen Christ, or 
the God-crowned ideal, is as yet but faintly seen. 


MOTHER’S ROOM. 


Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother ol 
us all. — Galatians iv. 26. 

Her children arise up, and call her blessed ; ... let her 
own works praise her in the gates. — Proverbs xxxi. 28, 31. 

I N' the earliest Church plans was included an 
apartment for the sole use of our beloved Teacher 
and Leader, Mrs. Eddy, to he known as Mother’s 
Room; and soon after the building-lot was deeded 
by her to the first Board of Trustees, the Christian 
Science children were organized into a band of Busy 
Bees, their special aim being the collection of money 
for this room. Chiefly through the efforts of its 
organizer. Miss Maurine R. Campbell, five thousand 
dollars were raised by this sweet society.” 

In the early months it seemed as if this apartment 
must be finished and furnished very simply, as the 
Bees had gathered only a few hundred dollars; but 
November brought a different outlook. It was 
73 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


T4 

decided to appropriate the adjoining alcoves on either 
side for toilet-rooms, and one beautiful idea followed 
after another, like the feet of messengers bringing 
“good tidings, to Zion.” Very elaborate decorative 
designs were proposed; but Mrs. Eddy desired that 
her room be adorned more simply and less expen- 
sively, though willing that its finishing should cor- 
respond with the rest of the building. The result 
could hardly be more harmonious or appropriate. 

The room is located on the auditorium stage of 
the tower, and opens directly into the vestibule. 
The entrance as originally planned did not satisfy 
the Directors, and after several consultations, the 
architect was requested to design a marble archway 
more in harmony with Mother’s Room. Early in 
December a plan was approved, and the marble, 
which was to be of the finest Italian, worked with 
great care, was ordered with the other marble. 

In preparation, the opening for the doorway was 
widened on either side, and the wall above cut out 
to the ceiling of the main vestibule, so when the arch 


mother’s room. 


75 


arrived, the workmen began to set it immediately. 
The parties who took the contract for this work were 
very competent and had command of the best 
facilities. On a Friday, at six in the afternoon, 
the upright sections of the arch were in place to 
the finely carved cornice. 

To complete the task before Sunday seemed an 
impossibility, yet this was what those in charge had 
resolved upon. The workmen were asked how long 
it would take, and the reply was, ^^It is six days’ 
work to set and finish the arch ready 'to fill in around 
it.” 

Arrangements were made with them to labor on 
continuously till the job was ended. The Scien- 
tists remained in the building that night to render 
all the assistance possible, and a midnight meal was 
furnished the workmen. At six o’clock the next 
morning, in exactly twelve hours instead of six 
days, the arch was completed, and in an hour or two 
more the mason had filled in the wall around it with 
brick. 


76 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


Two coats of plaster were then applied immedi- 
ately to the newly set brickwork, and the painter 
followed with two coats of paint, matching perfectly 
the vestibule walls, which had been painted several 
days previously. This work was all done by six 
o’clock Saturday afternoon. 

The archway leads by five marble steps into a small 
lobby, brightened by electric lamps, artistically hid- 
den behind the high cornice. The light illuminates 
the vaulted ceiling, and reflects a soft color, from the 
rose-tinted walls, upon the white door, with its 
golden knob. Above the door, in letters of gold on 
a white marble tablet, is the word Love. I7ear the 
ceiling on each side, are three small stained-glass case- 
ments, admitting enough light from two outside win- 
dows, in the two dressing-rooms, to bring out the 
glazed colors, and enhance the general effect. Inlaid 
with different-colored stones, in the mosaic landing 
before the door, may be read: 

Mothek’s Koom, 

The Children’s Offeeing. 


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mother’s room. 


77 


The thoughts leading to these arrangements came 
one by one to the individual Scientists overseeing 
the work, and seemed like inspirations from Love. 
Mrs. Eddy herself gave many helpful suggestions 
relative to all parts of the work, especially to 
decorations. 

The following letter shows the source of two 
beautiful features connected with the entrance just 
described : 

Pleasant Yiew, 
Concord, N.H., Dec. 11, 1894. 
Christian Science Directors, 

My beloved Students, 

Permit me to make this request relative to the 
Mother’s Room, and if you think best, grant it. On 
the marble floor at the entrance engrave the word, 
Mother; and on the arch above the word. Love. 

Ever affectionately yours, 

MARY BAKER EDDY. 

The apartment itself is fifteen feet in width and 
eighteen in length, measuring from the door to the 
middle of the bay. Here the first section of terra- 
cotta flooring was laid. The room was plastered and 


78 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


painted before the tower was roofed; but it . was 
protected ■ from tbe weather by the bell-deck, which 
had been covered with terra-cotta, cement, and 
ready-roofing. 

The baseboard, both for the main room and the 
adjacent dressing-room, is of pure white Italian mar- 
ble without dark veining. In the toilet-room Afri- 
can marble, of I^umidian red, is used alike for basin 
and baseboard, and the water-pipes are gold-plated. 

The subjects for the three testimonial windows 
are taken from Christ and Christmas, an illustrated 
poem by Mrs. Eddy. The Star of Bethlehem sym- 
bolizes the ray of Truth penetrating the darkness of 
mortal mind. “ The light shineth in darkness and 
the darkness comprehendeth it not;” nevertheless 
it shines on, because it is from that divine source 
declared by Saint John to be the Life of men. 

Suffer Little Children to Come unto Me represents 
the unbiased and innocent child-thought, finding and 
appropriating the revelation of Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures, which explains the words 
and works of Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles. 


mother’s room. 


79 


The face of the woman in the central window, 
Seeking and Finding, is not a portrait of our Teacher 
and Mother, but is a type which presents the thought 
of her searching the Scripture with unalterable 
trust in the divine Wisdom, above and beyond mor- 
tal concept. In this sacred search the Star of Beth- 
lehem, or gleam of Truth, is never lost sight of, 
but shines steadily on the inspired page. 

The last contract awarded was for the beautiful 
mantelpiece, constructed of onyx blocks from Pueblo, 
Mexico, on exhibition at the World’s Fair, Chicago, in 
1893. Onyx of this opalescent green tint is said to 
be an object of worship with the Mexican Indians. 
Though this contract dated from only five days be- 
fore Christmas, the mantel was in its place by Hew 
Year’s. 

Among the furnishings were many individual 
gifts. The rug before the fireplace, presented by 
a lady in the name of a child, was made by the 
Esquimaux from a hundred eider-duck skins. It was 
bought from Dr. Cook, the Arctic explorer, as thp 
following letter explains: 


80 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


15 Hart Street, 

Brooklyn, N.Y., December 18, 1894. 

I send you to-day the Eskimo blankets as selected. 
I hope that they will prove of interest and value to 
you, — a souvenir from Greenland’s icy moun- 
tains.” Yours very truly, 

r. A. Cook, M. D. 

Other remembrances were an elaborately carved 
imported chair; the onyx table; the large china lamp 
and shade; the desk-lamp shade; an Assyrian bridal 
veil; the jardiniere and cloisonne clock; two water- 
colors, by an English artist; valuable vases, book- 
marks, and embroideries; the sofa-pillow, covered 
with white and gold tapestry, matching the other fur- 
niture ; the Athenian hanging lamp, two centuries old. 
Silvery green plush draperies and antique Persian 
rugs of similar tint harmonize with the delicate fres- 
coing of the walls. The little onyx beehive contains 
the names of twenty-eight hundred Busy Bees. 
Everything was provided for the beloved Mother’s 
actual occupancy, as witness such tokens as a hand- 
kerchief, a tiny pin-cushion, dressing-gown, slippers, 
and every needful toilet-article. 


mother’s room. 


81 


Loving touches still continue to be added to this 
room, and ever will he, as long as hearts turn in grati* 
tude to the one who gives her life for them and the 
world. 

The most recent addition is a gift from Mrs. Eddy 
herself to the Church, — a large oil-painting, meas- 
uring six feet by five, of the little rocking-chair, 
covered with black hair-cloth, in which she sat while 
writing Science and Health. It would seem impos- 
sible for such a room as this to afford space for so 
large a picture; but the arrangement is so skilful as 
to increase the beauty of both. The picture rests 
on the floor, and is lighted by electric lamps, fastened 
on the upper edge of the frame, and concealed by 
green draperies. The effect of the painting, so 
placed, is to enlarge as well as enrich the room; 
for it is so realistic that, looking at it, one seems to 
be gazing into another apartment. 

On a bookmark, given by two little girls, are 
printed some lines from Whittier, which express the 
thought of many who enter this room. 


82 


THE MOTHER CHURCH, 


And so I find it well to come, 

For deeper rest, to this still room ; 

For here the habit of the soul 
Feels less the outer world’s control ; 

• •••••••* 

And from the silence, multiplied 
By these still forms on every side. 

The world that time and sense has known 
Falls off, and leaves us God alone. 


THE FINAL EFFORT. 


Be strong, , . , saith the Lord, and work: for I am with 
you. — Haggai ii. 4. 

Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will 
dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God him- 
self shall be with them, and be their God. 

Bevelation xxi. 3. 

M KS. EDDY’S counsel was that the Church 
should he in readiness for public service the 
last Sunday of the year 1894, as may he seen from 
the following letter: 

Pleasant View, 
Concord, N.H., Dec. 19, 1894. 
Christian Science Directors, 

My beloved Students, 

The day is well-nigh won. You will soon rest on 
your arms. Thank God you have been valiant sol- 
diers — loyal to the heart’s core. Who is so great a 
God as our God?” 

Present no contribution-box Dedication day. 
When you know the amount requisite and have re- 

83- 


84 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


ceived it for finishing the church building, close all 
contributions and give public notice thereof. 

Hold your services in the Mother Church Dec. 30, 
1894, and dedicate this church Jan. 6th. The Bible 
and Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 
tures ” shall henceforth be the Pastor of the Mother 
Church. This will tend to spiritualize thought. Per- 
sonal preaching has more or less of human views 
grafted into it. Whereas the pure Word contains 
only the living, health-giving Truth. 

With love. Mother, 

MARY BAKER EDDY. 

To have the building ready for use by December 
30, a mighty effort must be made. Every part of 
the work must be pushed, and every moment of 
time utilized. Even then, to human sense, the task 
seemed utterly hopeless. The decorating must be 
done, and platform and pulpit built. The gallery 
was as yet hardly begun; while the vestry. Mother’s 
Koom, vestibules. Directors’ Boom, and other sec- 
tions of the edifice, needed much more labor than 
seemed possible in ten days. Men must be kept busy 
every hour when work could be done, day and night. 





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THE FINAL EFFORT. 


85 


Work on the roof, tower, walls, stairways, metal 
window-frames, glass, plastering, concrete, mosaic, 
wood-work, painting, marble-work, wiring for elec- 
tric lights, plumbing, — all must be pushed, and 
no one trade wait for another to move out of the 
way, if the building was to be used in 1894. 

The marble, ordered December 6, had not yet 
reached Boston. On December 15, there was no 
one part of the Church really completed, except the 
walls; and ventilating flues had yet to be erected on 
these. 

Every step, up to this time, had been made through 
demonstration of Divine Science, the work of our 
beloved Teacher and Mother. E’ot a point could be 
carried without her aid; for she alone could show 
the way — God’s way — and make it possible to do 
what mortal sense declared impossible. With this 
knowledge, those having the work in charge con- 
tinued to press on in the face of all seeming dis- 
couragements, trusting Love to deliver them, and 
enable the workmen to complete the building. 


86 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


The work on the tower seemed very slow. A 
steam derrick had been hired to lift the stone and 
other material; and, a few days before the walls were 
finished, the roofer tried to make a bargain for 
the use of this derrick to raise the heavy iron 
for the tower roof. The derrick was on a plat- 
form at the top of the tower; and, if he could 
have the use of it, several days’ time would be saved, 
that otherwise must be spent in taking down this 
derrick, and putting up another. 

Confusion seemed to rise up between the men, and 
they were unable to come to any agreement on the 
matter. At this point Mrs. Bates was told of the 
situation, and asked to see what could be done. She 
went at once in search of the man who controlled the 
derrick. He was at the top of the tower. Without 
hesitation she climbed up to find him, though this 
meant the ascent of three ladders, each one twenty or 
twenty-five feet long, set up on loose planks, inside 
of the tower wall. 

This task was not only accomplished, but she 


THE FINAL EFFORT. 


87 


made definite arrangements with the owner to let 
the derrick for one day to the Directors. The 
roofers were then notified to have their materials 
ready on the grounds; and on the appointed day all 
the iron for the frame, and the terra-cotta blocks, 
were lifted to the tower platform, the slate and cop- 
per being hauled up later by hand. 

Mrs. Bates also made a second trip to the bell- 
deck within a few days, remaining there three 
hours, in order to settle a dispute between the men 
and keep them at work. 

With the masons there had already been some 
trouble, on account of the irregularity of the con- 
tractors’ payments; and now a new difficulty arose. 
In addition to the original contract, certain stones 
were to be removed from the top of the tower, so 
that the copper roof might be laid on the bell-deck, 
and the stones then were to be put back in place. 
When the original contract was finished, the masons 
took out the stones as agreed, but refused to replace 
them. This was a genuine strike, for the men stayed 


88 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


around the place two or three days, not allowing 
others to finish the work. Tired of so thankless a 
job, however, they soon retired from the ground, and 
gave no more trouble. 

The first day, late in December, that the terra- 
cotta was being laid in the iron frame of the tower 
roof, was very cold and windy, especially at an 
altitude of a hundred and twenty feet above the level 
of the street. The Director who had especial charge 
of the building felt impelled to visit the seven men 
who were engaged in this work. He accordingly 
climbed the three ladders inside the tower to the 
bell-deck, where he saw swaying almost vertically 
above, in the open belfry, between him and the 
roof-frame, a fourth ladder. This ladder was made 
of two scantlings which had been broken and patched, 
while several of the strips nailed crosswise for steps 
had been broken, and left unrepaired. When the 
foot of this frail ladder was reached, seventy-five feet 
above the street, the Director’s heart failed him, 
and he said to himself, cannot mount!” Of 



NEARING COMPLETION. 




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THE FINAL EFFORT. 


89 


course the workmen had used this same means to 
reach the roof; but they knew by experience what 
could be done, and were used to such undertakings. 

After a moment’s silent prayer for strength from 
Mind, he slowly began the ascent. According to 
sense-evidence the support appeared insufficient to 
bear his weight, with the wind blowing so fiercely 
through the arched openings of the tower; but he 
finally reached the roof. Here the wind blew 
stronger than ever, and it seemed impossible to hold 
on, or even think. Again, in silent prayer and 
demonstration, harmony was realized, and fears were 
overcome. The roofers were encouraged, and even 
the wind seemed to be quieter. 

The Directors were obliged to look after each con- 
tractor, to see that he fulfilled his engagements. 
More than this, they watched every workman, lest, in 
the rush, some detail be slighted or hindrance arise; 
for well they knew, not an hour could be lost. 

The Italian mosaic-layers, of whom there were sepa- 
rate gangs for dados, floors, and borders, were perhaps 


90 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


tlie most troublesome to deal with; because, as they 
spoke but little English, it was difficult to talk or 
reason with them. They were usually happy and 
good-natured, singing about their work; but if any 
one of them happened to be vexed, he and his com- 
rades would threaten to leave. 

During the process of building a constant stream 
of students poured into the Church, and every acces- 
sible part of the work was visited. This never dis- 
turbed the mechanics, except in one instance, when, 
during the last week in December, some strangers 
stepped on a piece of mosaic bordering, just laid in 
soft mortar. The work was spoiled, and the Italian, 
muttering something in his own language, called his 
assistant and left the building, to be seen no more 
that day. 

The contractor for stereo-relief mouldings, to be 
put on the gallery front and cornices, had only 
nine days for his work; but he promised to have 
it done, or allow his unfinished mouldings to be 
thrown into the street. Another contract, remark- 


THE FINAL EFFORT. 


91 


able for the short time in which it was fulfilled, was 
that for the pulpit and for furniture in Mother’s 
Room, wherein the contractor agreed to have the 
articles ready in time, or forfeit fifty dollars for every 
day’s delay. 

The pews were to come from Michigan by Christ- 
mas; but the agent, seeing the condition of the 
edifice in October, did not believe they would be 
wanted in December, and inserted this clause in the 
contract, ^^by December 25th, or as soon as the 
church is ready . When the Directors wrote to the 
manufacturers to hasten the work, they replied that 
the agent in Boston had informed them that our 
Church would not be ready for two months. The 
Directors now saw, if the pews were to be in 
the building by December, that it would be neces- 
sary to send some one to the factory, who would 
insist that the work be finished and delivered ac- 
cording to agreement. 

Mr. J. A. I^eal was accordingly dispatched to 
Michigan; and, when he explained the situation to 


92 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


the manufacturers, they put all their force on this one 
job. Mr. E’eal remained until the pews were made 
ready, and then traced their course to Boston. 

When the agent, with the man who came from the 
factory to set up the pews, entered the auditorium 
on Friday before Christmas, and saw it full of work- 
men and scaffolding, they were alarmed for the car- 
load of pews, which could not be wisely left at the 
freight^house, yet could not be set up in the Church, 
where there was not even room to store them. 

That night the workmen stayed until morning, and 
students, both ladies and gentlemen, came in to help. 
The whole network of staging was taken down, the 
rough covering removed from the mosaic, and the 
floor washed. 

When the Michigan man came in on Saturday 
morning, he was astounded at the transformation. 
Even the architect, who had watched the progress of 
the work so closely, said that what had been accom- 
plished that night seemed like a miracle. To make 
room for the seats, all the workmen had been cleared 


THE FINAL EFFORT. 


93 


out except one, wlio was fitting the capitals on the 
pillars. The pew-agent refused to go to work until 
this mechanic was also sent away. No time could 
be lost in controversy, so the other artisans were 
recalled. On Monday he still refused to work, but 
on Tuesday he began setting up the pews while other 
men were busy in the room. 

Tuesday was Christmas Day, but the work con- 
tinued as usual. 

In order to have the exact shade of plush desired, 
the covering for the cushions had been ordered 
directly from Lyons, France; and New York 
upholsterers had pledged themselves to have them 
ready by the middle of December. It was learned, 
however, that they had done nothing, and would not 
before January; so the plush was brought to Boston, 
and there the cushions were made ready in season. 

It had been arranged to lay a sidewalk around 
the tower^entrances; for, as the boiler-room would 
extend under this part of the walk, it was believed 
the heat would prevent the cement from freez- 


94 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


ing. The work was begun Friday, December 28. 
Saturday night it was not yet finished; and the 
weather had turned very cold, with a strong wind 
blowing. There was danger that the wet cement 
would freeze, and it seemed impossible to continue 
the work. The Directors hired a tent, and had it 
stretched over the walk, and fastened to the Church 
wall. The big doors were kept open, and all possible 
heat secured from the boilers. The men worked 
until twelve o’clock, and then watched in the build- 
ing till morning, lest the canvas be blown down; but 
no injury came, and the sidewalk was ready for use 
the next day. 

The same evening the Church was full of students, 
dusting pews and sweeping floors; and exactly as the 
clock struck twelve, midnight, the auditorium was 
prepared for Sunday. The first meeting, held 
December 30, 1894, was a communion service. 

So, with the Mother encouraging and pointing 
the way, and with Divine Love sustaining, the 
Church was built in the appointed time, and the 


THE FINAL EFFORT. 


95 


following notices appeared in the January issue 
of the Christian Science Journal: 

NOTICE. 

The Dedication Services of the new building of -the Mother 
Church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massa- 
chusetts, will be held on the first Sunday in January, the 
sixth, 1895. An address from our former Pastor, the Rev. 
Mary Baker Eddy, will be read, but she will not be present 
at these services. 

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

A Card from Mr. Chase. 

As Treasurer of the Christian Science Board of Directors, 
I hereby return sincere thanks to all the donors to the 
Church-building Fund of the Mother Church, for their most 
generous contributions, and their prompt responses to all 
calls sent out. There are ample funds now in my hands to 
meet all obligations, and all contributions should cease after 
January 6, 1895, as none can be received which were not sub- 
scribed prior to that date. 

Stephen A. Chase, Treasurer, 

The last card suggests the following incident from 
Biblical history; 

And they spake unto Moses, saying. The people bring 
much more than enough for the service of the work, which 


96 


THE MOTHER CHURCH, 


the Lord commanded to make. And Moses gave command- 
ment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the 
camp, saying. Let neither man nor woman make any more 
work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were 
restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was suffi* 
cient for all the work to make it, and too much. 

Exodus xxxvi. 5-7. 


CONCLUSION. 


Let us Lear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear 
God, and keep his commandments : for this is the whole duty 
of man. — Ecclesiastes xii. 13. 

O human and material sense, and according 



1 to the evidence cognizable thereby, man 
is wholly material, with but a vague perception, if 
any at all, of Spirit and spiritual law. The aim of 
Christian Science is to show mortals the way out of 
this false, and therefore unreal, condition. Sci- 
ence must control every human experience, until all 
is brought into complete subjection to Spirit. 

Mortals allow this control, and yield to Grod^s gov- 
ernment, only as they are driven to distrust and doubt 
the evidence of the material senses, thus becoming 
willing to abandon those senses, and accept and 
adopt the evidence of Spirit. This usually comes 
through suffering. First, we allow Christian Sci- 


97 


98 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


ence to heal us of physical pain; then, when we 
have learned something of its teachings, our old 
theology begins to disappear. As false theories 
about God and man are dispelled through under- 
standing what God is, and man’s relation to Him, 
we begin to see the true nature of sin, and how to 
overcome its claims. 

To say that we see this to be true, and accept it as 
a theory, is not enough. It must be proven by dem- 
onstration ; and this demonstration must be that which 
will reach the human consciousness on the plane of 
its own experiences.. If a man is in a pit a hundred 
feet deep, a rope ninety feet long, though held above 
by strong and loving hands, can be of no practical 
benefit to him. This illustrates the impotence of 
theories in regard to an unknown God and a far- 
away Heaven, only to be obtained through death 
and a personal Saviour. 

So, in the history of the spiritualization of hu- 
man consciousness, the thought of Church must be 
discerned spiritually, and yet so manifested that 


CONCLUSION. 


99 


it can be recognized by mortals. Christian Science 
has proven itself a healer of the sick, and now 
it must show itself the destroyer of false theorems 
and sin. 

When the Children of Israel started for the prom- 
ised land, no doubt they expected to have an easy 
time, as soon as they had turned their backs on their 
enemies; but in a very short time they found 
themselves pursued by their foes, and further 
progress cut off by barriers seemingly insurmount- 
able. Moses, reflecting more of God than his 
countrymen, bade them, Stand still, and see the 
salvation of the Lord ! ” That is, they were to see a 
demonstration of the power of Mind over matter, of 
Truth over error. 

In building the Mother Church, to stand as 
a symbol of all the teachings of Christian Sci- 
ence, and of all that Christianity implies, the 
Directors found themselves in a position similar to 
that of the Israelites, when behind them was 
Pharaoh’s army, and in front of them the Ked 
Sea. 


100 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


A great struggle was inevitable. Every ma- 
terial help was withheld, until Divine Love was 
sufficiently reflected to meet the opposing error in 
all its various forms, and turn the scale on the side 
of God and His government. The spirituality and 
divinity of Christian Science is proven, when we 
learn that it is opposed by all materiality. 

A few thousand dollars were raised by great 
human effort, and land on which to erect a building 
purchased; but as the money was lost, and the 
lot about to be sold under foreclosure of mortgage, 
failure seemed inevitable. Yet this was not true. 
The one chosen of God to lead mortals out of 
this dream of sin and death was not forsaken, but 
was shown the way to save the land by herself 
paying the cost, thus bringing, victory out of seeming 
defeat. 

Again, money was solicited from the students to 
build a Church on this same lot, now in the 
hands of trustees for this purpose. As soon as 
enough money was received so that the work might 




CONCLUSION. 


101 


have been begun, a question arose which checked 
further progress in this direction. Once more error 
was defeated; the lot was deeded to another Board, 
under new and wiser provisions, and the money re- 
turned to a new Treasurer. 

Then came the announcement that the building 
should be finished in 1894, and the awful struggle 
— that is, awful to human sense — began. Every 
step must be demonstrated. Error was, or seemed to 
be, in possession, and would only yield as Truth and 
Love were manifested. Every law of matter seemed 
opposed. There was lack of means, time was pass- 
ing, and every human effort proved ineffective. 
November came and found no roof on the build- 
ing, the walls unfinished, and snow already on 
the ground. There were even no suitable plans for 
interior finish, and but two months in which to com- 
plete work that all agreed would require at least 
six. Yet these difficulties, so insurmountable to the 
human sense, were as nothing when weighed in the 
balance with the unchanging demand of Love, that 
the work should be finished within the time specified. 


102 


THE MOTHER CHURCH. 


It might be asked in this case, as in that of the 
Children of Israel: Did God plan that these innocent 
and confiding people should come into such difficul- 
ties, merely to show His power in leading them out? 
This could never be true of divine Wisdom. 

The truth is, that as mortals learn something of the 
nature of evil, and make efforts to overcome it, 
they are then met by its different forms, resisting the 
demands of Good. Then evil shows its true nature, 
by claiming to be something, when it is really noth- 
ing. The building of this Church was to be a tri- 
umph for Divine Love; and every material means 
and human dependence must fail, for human sense 
must Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.’’ 

Nothing but the hand of Divine Wisdom could 
have guided and upheld those entrusted with this 
responsibility through such a trial of faith as this 
was. Neither could they have had this divine 
assistance, but for the nearness to God of the 
Mother in Israel, which gave her counsel to reflect 
the one omnipotent Mind to those charged with this 
great work for God and humanity. 


CONCLUSION. 


103 


It was a victory for Christian Science, a victory 
in which every claim of error was met and over- 
come. Something was accomplished which must 
be accepted by mortals as a part of the world’s 
history. The fair and impartial accounts of the 
Church, given by the press at the time of the Dedica- 
tion, illustrate this point. Just as a large part of 
mankind have accepted the lives of Jesus and his 
Apostles as historic facts, however little this may 
affect their own living, just as proofs of astro- 
nomical facts, reversing the evidence of the senses, 
are universally undenied, — so the erection of this 
Church is so great a demonstration of Christianity 
and Science as to leave on the world’s thought an 
indelible mark, which must be given a place in its 
history. 

Only future ages can fully appreciate and under- 
stand the mighty triumph of Good over evil, of 
Spirit over matter, manifested in the circumstances 
connected with the successful erection of this beauti- 
ful building, as given in this historical sketch of the 
Mother Church in Boston. 


THE FINANCIAL QUESTION IN CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. 



ROM my earliest recollection when reading the 


1 Bible stories of the Patriarchs, their success in 
accumulating an abundance of this world’s goods was 
a source of wonder and speculation as to the reason 
of their being thus specially favored. Since gaining 
some knowledge of Christian Science, I have learned 
that it was not because they were specially favored by 
a personal God, but because of their better acquaint- 
ance with and consciousness of true relationship to 
the one true God. This was beautifully illustrated 
in the incident recorded when Elisha fed the vast 
number of people with the barley loaves and full ears 
of corn, and all did eat and much remained thereof 
(II. Kings iv. 42, 43). 

In metaphysics we learn that the human mind is 
an idolater, attributing all cause and effect and all 
law to matter, thus enthroning matter as God, and 
seeming to expect thereby to shirk all responsibility 


104 


THE FINANCIAL QUESTION. 


105 


for its own falsity. The human mind claims these 
laws of matter can cause man to be sick and die. It 
has made money to be the standard and to de- 
termine the value of all things. Paul says, “ the love 
of money is the root of all evil” (I. Tim. vi. 10), 
meaning thereby that one who accepts this standard 
of values partakes of the very essence of mortal 
mind delusion. 

It is often said of Jesus that he was poor so far 
as material goods were concerned. But was this true ? 
He said of himself, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the 
air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay 
his head” {Lu, ix. 58). No doubt Jesus saw that 
that sensuous age in which he lived would not receive 
his teachings. Even those he selected as students 
were not ready to receive all of his teachings. He 
said, “ I have yet many things to say unto you, but 
ye cannot bear them now” (John xvi. 12). And 
for this reason he could impart his knowledge of God 
to but a few humble followers. The final establish- 
ment of his teaching must come at a later period 
when the world would be more ready to receive it. 


106 


THE MOTHEK CHUKCH. 


Although he recognized the inability of his students 
to receive all of his teachings, he knew the time was 
coming when they would be received and understood ; 
hence he promised the Comforter that should lead into 
all truth. This seems to me a reasonable explanation 
of why our beloved Master went about “ preaching the 
gospel, and healing the sick” (Lu, ix. 6), rather 
than establishing himself in a local habitation. But 
we cannot believe this Man of God who wore the 
beautiful seamless garment, unto whom many wealthy 
people freely gave of their substance out of gratitude 
for the healing he had done for them, ever really lacked 
the material needs and comforts ; to say nothing of 
his ability to feed the multitudes as recorded of him 
{Matt. xiv. 17-20). 

In Christian Science we learn that Spirit is substance 
and alone has value, or can give value. We reflect this 
value in proportion as we understand and reflect Spirit. 
We are enabled to rob matter of its claims of power 
and to see and handle it as a mere belief or delusion. 
This is what I understand is meant by establishing 
the kingdom af God and his righteousness. 


THE FINANCIAL QUESTION. 


107 


When the writer first became interested in Christian 
Science he lost all interest in business the object of 
which was money making. He did not understand 
the reason for this at that time, but subsequent ex- 
perience and his growth in Christian Science has 
taught him that the only real value is Spirit — God ; 
that when we reflect the true substance in our daily 
lives, our daily needs both temporal and spiritual will 
be bountifully supplied. Christian Science is this 
Comforter and has come through the revelations of 
our beloved Leader, Mary Baker G. Eddy. 

This chapter is written, not for those Scientists 
who have learned by their own experience and growth 
in Christian Science how to meet this question, but 
with a hope that it may help those who must come face 
to face with this problem of finance which has caused 
young students so many bitter struggles. 


Written, December 1, 1907. 













THE EXTENSION, 





FALMOUTH STREET SIDE, JANUARY, 1905 













NORWAY STREET SIDE, APRIL, lUOo 













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